Discovering Adare Manor's Timeless Allure: A Luxurious Stay Steeped in Irish Charm

Location & history:

Located in County Limerick, Adare Manor is an 840-acre property, renowned for its neo-Gothic architecture and rich history. Originally a family estate dating back to the 1200s, the Manor was redesigned in the 19th century by the Earl of Dunraven. Following an extensive restoration in 2017, the property is now one of Europe’s leading resorts. It has been named Europe’s Best Resort for three consecutive years (2022–2024) by Condé Nast Traveler readers. It’s also the recipient of the prestigious Three MICHELIN Keys, celebrating its world-class hospitality and architectural excellence.

Accommodations:

Stepping into The Great Hall Reception sets the tone for your stay. It features a soaring, wood-paneled ceiling adorned with intricate details, a grand fireplace (sadly no fire though since I visited in August) and a plush seating area that invites you to relax and unwind. Despite its enormous size, there are only 103 rooms and eight suites at Adare, categorized as Deluxe Rooms, Staterooms and Suites. For larger groups or families, there are also three to four bedroom villas on the grounds just 15 minutes from the Manor house.

Once checked in, I was escorted to my room, a generously-sized Deluxe Room (538 sq. ft) with a beautiful view overlooking the 16th hole of the golf course. Upon entry, I was thrilled to receive the loveliest welcome gift- one of Adare’s signature desserts. It was truly a work of art and one of the prettiest (and tastiest) desserts I’ve ever had!

In addition to my room, I also toured one of the Staterooms (592 sq ft). Suites are the largest rooms (926 sq ft) and include a separate seating room. All rooms are a blend of classic elegance and modern luxury, blending rich fabrics, antique furnishings, warm color palettes and modern amenities. One of my favorite amenities was the bedside control panel, which allowed me to control both the curtains and lighting from the comfort of my bed.

Experiences:

Adare Manor offers a wide variety of experiences to appeal to all travelers. I purchased the “activity” package, which gave me the opportunity to choose two activities during my stay. (I was able to choose two since I was traveling solo. If you are traveling as a couple, each person receives one activity.) Activity choices include fishing, archery, gun dog trials with trained labradors, falconry, clay pigeon shooting, one hour on a golf simulator or one hour padel tennis lesson with an instructor. I chose Clay Pigeon Shooting for my first day and discovered 2 things: 1) rifles are incredibly heavy and 2) I was a decent shot in the air, but unable to hit anything on the ground. My choice for the 2nd day was falconry. I met Adare’s falconer, Liam, outside in a quiet, grassy area only a five-minute walk from the manor's front door. His love of raptors was on full display — he fell in love with falconry as a kid and knows everything about the owls, hawks and African Eagles he trains. Seeing the beauty and the power of these incredible birds up close was an unforgettable experience.

Later, I headed over to The Padel Club, a wellness and sports facility that opened in 2020, for a quick swim and sauna. An oasis of peace, it features a 17-meter swimming pool with a hydro pool at the end (the massaging jets were amazing!) and one glass wall to bring the outside in for an even more zen experience. The facility is available to all guests and also includes two padel tennis courts, a steam room, sauna, gym, yoga studio and sports simulation room.

I wrapped up my time at Adare by using one of the (free) available bikes to ride around the property. At 840 acres, I did not see everything, but did make it to their golf shop (featuring lots of Ryder Cup merch already). I also visited The Carriage House, a Michelin plate award-winning restaurant located next to the practice putting green.

Dining:

Admittedly, I am not much of a foodie, so I only experienced a few restaurants during my stay. However, here is an overview of all the lounges/restaurants at the manor:

The Gallery:

This grand room filled with art, oversized chandeliers and fine china is where breakfast and afternoon tea service is served. The food was delicious and the service outstanding. Loved the manors commitment to purchasing fresh ingredients from local Irish businesses and that they showcased them on the menu - fabulous touch!

The Tack room:

This downstairs clubby lounge is the perfect place to gather for cocktails and conversation. Dimly lit, with plush burgundy seating and brass/marble accents, it features a beautiful bar with premium spirits, particularly whiskey. It was the perfect setting to meet up with a local tour operator to learn more about his business.

The Drawing room:

Overlooking the formal garden, this tranquil setting is perfect for morning coffee, lite bites until 5p and pre/post dinner cocktails.

The Oak room:

The original family dining room at the manor, it is now the only Michelin-star restaurant in County Limerick. It is open to both guests and non-residents, serving a tasting menu only Wed–Sun.

The Carriage House:

This grill restaurant near the golf facilities is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu ranges from sandwiches, salads and gourmet pizzas during the day, to fresh seafood, Irish beef and artisan produce for dinner. Deep leather banquettes, art deco-inspired decor and a glamorous cocktail bar make this a relaxing setting for small or large groups.

If you prefer to eat off-site (as I did for dinner), Adare Manor offers a gratis car service to town. Step outside the manors front gate into the charming village of Adare, known for its thatched cottages, cute boutiques and lively pubs. I was thrilled to find a local pub (Aunty Lena’s- recommended by the concierge at Adare) that had the US Open tennis tournament on TV! Later, I strolled over to the popular Sean Collins pub to experience a local trad music session. When you want to return to the manor, just head back to the front gate, ring the doorbell and a car will be sent to you.

As a country, Ireland is ideally suited for combining luxury accommodations like Adare Manor with more casual stays to create the perfect trip. Contact me for more information about creating a custom itinerary that showcases the best of the Emerald Isle. With my insider knowledge and connections, I will curate a truly unforgettable experience for you!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Ireland page.